Composite phase change materials by confining polymers inside nanocarbon assemblies: A review

Phase change materials (PCMs) have been widely used in thermal management owing to their excellent latent heat storage capacity. To overcome the problems of inherent low thermal conductivity, liquid leakage, poor mechanical properties, and poor thermal and form stabilities of polymers, composite PCMs are developed by using various reinforcements, among which nanocarbons have shown superior merits. However, it is still of great challenge to design appropriate nanocarbon skeletons toward high thermal performances and multiple responsibilities. Herein, we review recent advances in a special strategy to fabricate organic composite PCMs based on the rapid development of nanocarbon assembly materials, by focusing on the composition strategies, composite structures and thermal performances of composite PCMs. The advantages of nanocarbon interconnection and polymer confinement inside nanocarbon network are the major concern in these issues, as they provide efficient conduction pathways for heat and electrons, induce full utilization of the phase change capacity, and lead to enhanced stabilities and multifunctionalities. Finally, future developments and challenges in the development of high-performance composite PCMs are also discussed.